DHAKA, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - A leaflet titled "Yes", calling for state reforms through the upcoming referendum, will be distributed among 3.72 crore consumers of the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (REB), which provides electricity services across the country's rural areas. The information was shared today by REB Chairman Major General S M Zia-Ul-Azim during a meeting with Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Professor Ali Riaz at his office in Dhaka. Chief Adviser's Special Assistant (Consensus) Monir Haider was also present at the meeting.

DHAKA, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS)- A superb 73 off 44 balls from Saif Hassan helped Dhaka Capitals romp to a commanding 42-run victory over Chattogram Royals in their final Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today. Dhaka finished their BPL campaign second from bottom in the points table with three victories. The bowlers then delivered a disciplined performance, led by Taskin Ahmed and Mohammad Saifuddin, to dismiss Chattogram for 128 in 19.4 overs. Saif took charge early after the dismissal of opener Usman Khan, who played a brief but blistering knock of 16 off six balls. Mohammad Saifuddin ripped through the middle order with figures of 4-20, while Taskin finished with 3-28.

A four-member delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami led by its Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna today. I seek cooperation of all political parties in this regard," the Chief Adviser added. Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan and Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan were present at the meeting. The Jamaat leaders informed the Chief Adviser that the election campaign will start in full-swing from January 22. Responding to the Jamaat leaders, the Chief Adviser said, "We must hold a good election at any cost.

Eisakhil spent the first half of the ongoing BPL season on the sidelinesbefore finally getting an opportunity for Noakhali Express in Sylhet. The match was also memorable as it marked the first time Eisakhil took thefield alongside his father, Mohammad Nabi, in professional cricket. Eisakhil struck a 72 ball-107, laced with four fours and 11 sixes and withthat effort, he joined an elite list of batters to have hit 11 sixes in asingle BPL innings, alongside Chris Gayle, Tamim Iqbal and Johnson Charles. "I never thought I had to hit 10 or 11 sixes. I didn't even realize that Ihit 11 sixes today.

Under the new arrangement, importing taxpayers will automatically receivebill-of-entry-wise information on advance income tax paid during the relevantincome year while entering business income details in their e-returns. Theimport-stage income tax will be adjusted against the total payable tax,enabling automatic calculation of the net payable amount. The initiative is expected to significantly facilitate e-return filing forimporting businesspersons and ensure accurate and timely tax credit. It reiterated that its efforts would continue toenable individual taxpayers to pay income tax and submit returns easily fromhome. The NBR also urged all individual taxpayers to submit their income taxreturns online through the e-return system by January 31, 2026.

However, sincebeing promoted to the opening position, Hridoy has been in scintillatingform, scoring 272 runs in four innings, including a century, at a strike rateof over 140. Despite his success as an opener, Hridoy stressed that impact matters morethan position in the batting order. Despite flourishing in the opening role, Hridoy maintained a team-firstapproach when asked about his preferred batting position in the nationalside. "At the end of the day, it's a team game, not my game alone. But in a team game, I try to servethe team wherever needed and contribute as much as I can."

European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller visited the exhibition "Women in the July Uprising: Essential Then—Why Erased Now?" Photo: Video ScreenshotDHAKA, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - The European Union (EU) today reaffirmed itssupport for women's participation in democratic life as a cornerstone ofresilience, prosperity and security, with its envoy stressing recognition andequal space for women in civic, political and media spheres. That women's participation is essential," EuropeanUnion ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller said. The envoy made the remarks at a guided tour of the exhibition 'Women in theJuly Uprising: Essential Then-Why Erased Now?' on the third day of the 11thedition of Chobi Mela - International Festival of Photography (CM XI), heldat the South Plaza of the Bangladesh National Parliament on Manik Mia Avenue.

Safdarpur Bazar of Kotchandpur upazila has emerged as the largest date jaggery market in the district. The Safdarpur market offers a wide variety of date jaggery, including jhola jaggery, granular jaggery, jiren raser jaggery and patali jaggery. Abul Kashem Babu, lessee of the Safdarpur Jaggery Market, expressed concern over the gradual decline of date palm trees. If the government supports the preservation and plantation of date palm trees, jaggery production will increase and contribute more to the national economy,” he said. “If plantation and proper care of date palm trees are increased, jaggery production will rise further,” he added.

Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today spoke as the chief guest at the referendum promotion and voter motivation view-exchange meeting in Nilphamari. Photo: PIDNILPHAMARI, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today urged voters to vote for “Yes” in the upcoming general elections and referendum. “If you are in favour of change, if you are in favour of reform, if you truly want accountable governance and political leadership, then you must vote for ‘Yes’,” she said. While speaking as the chief guest at the referendum promotion and voter motivation view-exchange meeting at District Shilpakala Academy auditorium here this afternoon, Rizwana highlighted the importance of the referendum. The adviser said the government has formed various reform commissions to determine the process through which change can be brought.

UAE distributed relief items and blankets among destitute families in Paikgachha upazila of southern Khulna. Photo: BSSKHULNA, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) distributed relief items and blankets among poor and destitute families in Paikgachha upazila of southern Khulna, which has been hit hard by cold weather and dense fog. The relief distribution was led by Rashed Al Mail Al Jabi, Director for Foreign Assistance Affairs at the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Bangladesh, on Sunday morning at the Kapilmuni Srirampur Zia Primary Health Care Centre premises. Above 200 underprivileged families received food items and blankets on the occasion. They conveyed gratitude to Almighty Allah and thanks to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for the donation.

We are ready for JS elections: Syeda Rizwana HasanAdviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today spoke to journalists before joining a view exchange meeting at the Shilpakala Academy auditorium in Rangpur. Photo : BSSRANGPUR, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Water Resources Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said the imterim government is now fully ready for the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) elections. "The Election Commission has not been able to participate in the election process properly in the past regarding the national elections. At present, when the people, political parties, government, administration, law enforcement agencies and everyone are ready for the elections, we are also ready for the elections." Syeda Rizwana Hasan has come to Nilphamari and Rangpur districts on a two-day visit.

Founder of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam. -File photoDHAKA, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - The 90th birth anniversary of the architect of multi-party democracy and founder of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, will be celebrated tomorrow. Ziaur Rahman was the second of five sons of Chemist Mansur Rahman and Jahanara Khatun. On the eventful November 7, 1975 Ziaur Rahman came to the center of the state power. President Ziaur Rahman founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on September 1, 1978.

DHAKA, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves have stood at US$ 32.62 billion. But, as per the International Monetary Fund (IMF) methodology under the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM6), Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves stood at $28.03 billion, according to the latest data of the Bangladesh Bank (BB) released today.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), under the leadership of Jay Shah, has intervened to ensure players and officials of Pakistani origin receive Indian visas in time for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to be hosted across India and Sri Lanka from February to March. Several full-member and associate nations feature players of Pakistani origin. Visas for England and Netherlands players, as well as some officials, have already been cleared. Officials stressed that the aim is to ensure all applications, including remaining players and support personnel, are processed efficiently without unnecessary delays. Indian authorities generally scrutinize visa applications from Pakistani nationals or origin due to security considerations, especially given historical incidents such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Pakistan has assured Bangladesh of its full support and emphasised that unresolved concerns could impact not only Bangladesh’s participation but also the broader preparations for the tournament. Earlier this month, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) publicly expressed its willingness to host Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches if alternative venues, particularly in Sri Lanka, are not made available. Meanwhile, the ICC has held meetings with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in Dhaka to discuss possible solutions, including a potential group swap. Cricket Ireland has already dismissed speculation of any group-stage changes, confirming that its matches will remain in Sri Lanka as originally scheduled. Under the current fixture list, Bangladesh are set to play group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.